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You are here: Home / Archives for Highland Road Park Observatory

International Astronomy Day – Highland Road Park Observatory

May 1, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Are your kids interested in anything and everything science? Bring them out to Highland Road Park Observatory for the worldwide celebration of all things astronomy, physics, aeronautics, and the American space program at International Astronomy Day on May 7th from 3-11 p.m. Every year since 2007, Highland Road Park Observatory has proudly taken part in International Astronomy Day, a celebration of all things related to astronomy, physics, aeronautics, and the American space program. Old favorites and new surprises will make this International Astronomy Day a day to remember. Our family has enjoyed this annual event for years, there’s always something new to see and learn! Be sure to bring cash for food and merchandise too!

 International Astronomy Day

Saturday, May 7th from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Free admission. For all ages.
Binoculars recommended after 7:30 pm

International Astronomy Day Schedule

SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm = ROCKET RANGE: Estes Whirlybird [launch location to be announced]

HRPO personnel will take bids for the launch and ownership of an incredible Whirlybird. Maximum launch height, 198 meters. Launch at 5:05 pm. Bidder must be at least eighteen. Launcher must be at least eight.

3:00 pm to 5:15 pm = RENAISSANCE SUNDIAL [Back Viewing Pad]

We unveil an astounding object that is both scientific timekeeper and work of art—an amazing helical body that reflects a beam of sunlight onto the correct time notch. Feel free to return to it periodically and compare it with your “modern” timepiece. You’ll be surprised by its accuracy.

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm = CELESTIAL PERIPHERIALS [Canopies]

  • Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport = telling us that weight, drag, thrust and lift are what it’s all about.
  • Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center = showcasing “alien” plant species and the possibility of plants on other planets.
  • BREC Art Program = reminding us that artists are essential to promoting space exploration and the possible mysteries we may solve.
  • Civil Air Patrol = informing on the uses of aeronautics for search and rescue.
  • East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement = collaborating with us to keep the creepy-crawlies off during skygazing.
  • LIGO = blowing minds with their search for gravitational waves.
  • Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge = existing to “advancing awareness, understanding and stewardship of the natural environment.”

3:00 pm to 8:00 pm = BOOKMOBILE! [behind Canopies]

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library presents the fantastic books and other resources for amateur astronomers—and a treat or two for the kids.

3:15 pm to 5:15 pm = VIEWING: Sun☉ [Front Viewing Pad]

Our parent star (in the constellation Aries♈ at this time) is put into focus. For the past few months activity—sunspots and flares—has been increasing dramatically. Utilizing a solar telescope we’ll show you an amazing view of the Sun☉ in hydrogen-alpha light. Any sizable flares or prominences occurring at this time will be easily seen! Distance, ~151 million kilometers.

3:15 pm to 6:15 pm = THE MARS TRUCK [Near Canopies]

An Izuzu box van outfitted in the most awesome ways possible. The Louisiana Space Consortium and the Society of Physics Students will set up a rotation of scopes and demos for patrons.

3:15 pm to 7:15 pm = RIDING THE RADIO WAVES [under Radio Dish]

The Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club will teach patrons to send their names in Morse Code, explain the household benefit of the Amateur Radio Service and invite them to study for the upcoming test and become Baton Rouge’s next “hams!”

3:30 pm to 6:30 pm = NANOTECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS [Canopies]

The Center for Computation and Technology (together with BR Bytes) present an eclectic array of family-aimed experiments and explanations showing the benefits of technology on the tiniest of scales.

3:45 pm to 6:45 pm = NACHREISEN [Next to Pavilion]

HEMA—Historic European Martial Arts—promotes as an exercise the defense mechanisms that were around centuries ago. These demonstrations will show moves from the 1400s and 1500s, the time of Kepler and Brahe. Follow all instructions from personnel. Do not cross safety barrier between public and demonstrators.

4:15 pm to 8:15 pm = TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT! [behind Pavilion]

Three separate stations allow kids and adults to get just a little taste of what may lie ahead if they are bold enough to apply for the Space Program!

4:30 pm to 8:30 pm = ADVENTURE QUEST [instructions and form at secret location to be revealed during event]

The frantic search game is always an IAD favorite. Gather the points to get the prizes—but should you redeem for small prizes as soon as possible, or get more points for higher level prizes? Will someone get the big prizes before you? There may be limited forms!

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm = ROCKET RANGE: Estes Wacky Wiggler [launch location to be announced]

HRPO personnel will take bids for the launch and ownership of a counterintuitive Wacky Wiggler. Maximum launch height, 244 meters. Launch at 7:05 pm. Bidder must be at least eighteen. Launcher must be at least eight.

*6:00 pm to 10:00 pm = VIEWING: Waxing Crescent Moon [Front Viewing Pad/ Back Viewing Pad]

During this time our closest celestial companion will have its apparent tone change from sky blue to grays and purples. It will be in Gemini♊. Personal binoculars recommended after 8:00 pm. Distance 398,000 kilometers.

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm = PHYSICAL SCIENCE DEMONSTRATIONS [Main Floor]

Over a half-dozen randomly-selected group from HRPO’s amazing collection of demos focusing on optics, chemical changes, sound and magnetism will be spread out like a buffet. (The demos are different every single month, so show up for ARRL Field Day on 25 June!)

7:45 pm to 8:15 pm = SEARCH: Crepuscular Rays [all outside locations]

Broken clouds, positioned correctly during sunset, can create a beautiful phenomenon of alternating rays of light and shadow. Could we be so lucky?

8:00 pm = APPEARANCE: Sirius [East Treeline]

The bright beacon of winter skies is saying goodbye. Which of us can see its fierce glow in the southwest first? Distance 8.6 light-years.

periodically from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm = VIEWING: Lunar Landscape [Large Dome]

Compare what you’ve seen of our only satellite so far (in the scopes on the viewing pads) with the magnificent “in-flight” view of the terrain of the Moon—with all the craters big and small, flooded areas, bright spots and streaking rays.

8:15 pm = APPEARANCE: Arcturus [South of Front Viewing Pad]

The orange K-class giant jewel of Boötes rises in the east. Distance 37 light-years.

*8:15 pm to 8:30 pm = VISIBLE PASS: The X-37B [all outside locations]

It’s the latest in the famous NASA experimental plane series. We can see it? Yes, when it reflects enough sunlight down to our eyes, while simultaneously the sky is dark enough to provide contrast. Distance, an almost-able-to-touch 396 kilometers.

8:15 pm to 8:45 pm = TWILIGHT SKY TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

The denizens of the mid-spring sky appeal to young and old, and you may learn more about them than you thought you could! (There also may be one or two extra visible passes!)

8:45 pm = APPEARANCE: Corvus the Crow [Front Viewing Pad]

The irregular box just west-southwest of Spica makes itself known. Patrons should just look in the direction of St. Gabriel!

*9:00 pm = APPEARANCE: The Big Dipper [Front and Back Viewing Pads]

The most famous asterism of the night sky—actually a section of Ursa Major—holds sway in the north-northeast. Can you separate Mizar and Alcor, or do you need to use a binocular?

9:15 pm = APPEARANCE: Leo♌ the Lion [all outside locations]

In a relaxing pose, eternally staring at Cancer♋, the King of the Zodiac observes us as we observe him.

*9:30 pm to 11:00 pm = VIEWING: The Beehive Cluster [Back Viewing Pad]

Telescope operators will show patrons a glittery jewel that reveals itself to be an open cluster of about 1000 stars of varied brightnesses and colors. Distance 577 light-years.

9:45 pm to 11:00 pm = METEOR HUNTING [south of Viewing Pads]

Laying on a tarp or lawn chair or sleeping bag brought from home, patrons will be encouraged to focus intently on the northeastern sky to spy any streaks zipping through the constellations. One major and one minor meteor shower are in progress right now, and a couple of fireballs have been seen locally in the past few weeks. You never know what you’ll catch happening if you keep looking up!

*9:55 pm to 10:05 pm = VISIBLE PASS: The Hubble Space Telescope [all outside locations]

Its days are numbered, but it still has a couple of years left for data gathering. We can see it? Yes, when it reflects enough sunlight down to our eyes, while simultaneously the sky is dark enough to provide contrast. Distance 908 kilometers.

10:00 pm to 10:30 pm = EVENING SKY TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

Leo♌, Ursa Major, Coma Berenices and Virgo♍ are the cast of characters in an informative and fun recitation of stellar stories.

*sometime between 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm = VIEWING: Omega Centauri [location to be revealed]

The legendary globular cluster is notoriously elusive from this latitude. It is IAD tradition to attempt a spotting from a savvy vantage point on the grounds, looking through the gaps in the trees. Believe us, it’s worth it! Distance—hold on to your seat—a whopping 18,000 light years.

10:30 pm to 11:00 pm = LUNAR TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

With magnifications of 10x to 50x, patrons will spy Craters Posidonius, Plinius, Theophilius, Cyrillus and Catharina.

All viewing is weather permitting.
Personal binoculars strongly recommended for (*) viewing events.

Free binocular checkout from HRPO front desk will be available at 7:30 pm, but there are a limited number. We strongly encourage visitors to bring binoculars.

Filed Under: Baton Rouge Resources, Family Friendly Baton Rouge Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Events, Baton Rouge Family, Baton Rouge Parents, BREC, Highland Road Park Observatory, International Astronomy Day, To do

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE – Highland Road Park Observatory

April 28, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

There will be overnight excitement at Highland Road Park Observatory as they open to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events – a Total Lunar Eclipse! While in the constellation Libra♎, the Moon will enter the Earth♁’s shadow, turning darker and darker—and then??? The actual color can range from dark brown to red to bright orange to yellow, depending on the current state of the Earth♁’s atmosphere.

Viewings and activities will be happening throughout the evening. Bring a blanket, binoculars, or your own scope to gaze up to watch this amazing sky event.

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE - Highland Road Park Observatory

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE – Highland Road Park Observatory

TIMELINE

  • Sunset = 7:15 pm
  • HRPO opens to the public. = 7:30 pm
  • Moonrise = 7:38 pm
  • Moon enters penumbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 8:32 pm
  • Moon Reaches 10° Altitude: 8:37 pm
  • End of Twilight = 9:23 pm
  • Moon enters umbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 9:27 pm
  • Moon Reaches 20° Altitude: 9:36 pm
  • Total Eclipse begins. = 10:29 pm
  • Moon Reaches 30° Altitude: 10:46 pm
  • Total Eclipse ends. = 11:53 pm
  • Moon exits umbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 12:55 am
  • Moon Culminates at 39°= 1:01 am
  • HRPO closes to the public. = 1:30 am
  • Moon exits penumbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 1:50 am

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE - Highland Road Park Observatory

WHAT: Total Luner Eclipse Event
WHEN:Sunday 15 May from 7:30 pm to 1:30 am
WHERE: Highland Road Park Observatory

Don’t miss it. This event begins on Sunday evening and ends on Monday morning.

It is the partial and total eclipse which will be easily visible to the unaided eye. HRPO may close early if there is an elevated chance of rain according to NOAA. HRPO property is the only part of Highland Road Park on which the public will be allowed.

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Things To Do Tagged With: Highland Road Park Observatory, HRPO, Lunae Eclipse, Things to do in Baton Rouge

Spooky Sensation Schedule – Highland Road Park Observatory

September 25, 2020 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

There’s a chill in the air—that can only be explained by science at Spooky Sensation – Highland Road Park Observatory. Come join us for a marshmallow roast with eerie true-life STEM stories, a scavenger hunt game to earn wicked prizes, physical science demos that will make you scream, and more.

Attendees can enjoy views of the Sun and all five outer planets: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Activities will include the Twilight Deepening, Magnitude Stepdown, Scope-on-a-Rope, and a brief discussion of the mysterious X-37B spaceplane. Other celestial targets include the Pleiades Star Cluster, the double star Albireo, the Job’s Coffin asterism, and the Andromeda Galaxy. 
 
‼️ Due to Phase 3 restrictions, there is a maximum of fifty patrons at one time on-site at HRPO. Because of this, patrons who have been on-site longer than thirty minutes may have their ticket numbers called and be asked to leave. Therefore, please choose your arrival time carefully based on the time spans of all the activities.
 
Spooky Sensation
 

WHAT: Spooky Sensation
WHEN: Saturday, October 3rd, 4:00pm – 10:00pm
WHERE: Highland Road Park Observatory

Spooky Sensation Activity Schedule:

Spooky Sensation 4:15-6:15 p.m. – “Superflare” The author of the most timely Louisiana novel in recent memory, Lisa Calhoun, will be on site to discuss the possibility of CMEs, EMPs and how families can survive and protect themselves in times of civil emergency or duress. [Cost $30.00 per copy]
 
Spooky Sensation 4:15-6:45 p.m. – Train Like an Astronaut = Seven challenging physical demands await those courageous and savvy enough to think they have what it takes to go into Earth orbit and beyond.
 
🐍 4:30-6:30 p.m. – Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center = The focus is on bugs! Dare you approach?
 
🚀 4:45 p.m. – Rocket Range Bid and Launch #1 = The first Quest Viper will be launched by and then given to the lucky top bidder.
 
🐅 4:45-6:45 p.m. – Baton Rouge Zoo = Well, our counterparts from BRZ are keeping secret which animals they are bringing.
 
⭐ 5-7 p.m. – Payload Bay (daytime cargo) = The new donation reward function at HRPO will yield a plethora of nice prizes and “orbital debris” for those who finish their task sheets first!
 
🚀 5:30 p.m. – Rocket Range Bid and Launch #2 = The second Quest Viper will be launched by and then given to the lucky top bidder.
 
👽 6:00 p.m. – Alienology Arrivals = The legendary 2010 spoof hardcover has “Professor Alan Grey” describe all the aliens known, explain how to spot them on Earth, etc.
 
🚀 6:15 p.m. – Rocket Range Bid and Launch #3 = The third Quest Viper will be launched by and then given to the lucky top bidder.
 
🌟 6:45 p.m. – Glow Stick Acquisitions = There are a limited supply, so grab your red glow stick while they’re here! [Cost $3.25 each]
 
🧪 7:00pm to 9:00pm – Physical Science Demonstrations = This weekend’s selections include the Asteroid Spinning Wheel, the Mirage, the Distance Doodler and a spectrum source!
 
⭐ 7:30- 9:30 p.m. – Payload Bay (nighttime cargo) = The new donation reward function at HRPO will yield a plethora of nice prizes and “orbital debris” for those who finish their task sheets first!
 
🎫 9:00 p.m. – Annual Raffle Drawing = Get your ticket anytime (or any day) before the drawing for your chance to win a telescope, a tabletop scope or a binocular! [Cost $5 per ticket; must be eighteen or older.

Spooky Sensation Event Viewing Schedule:

⭐ 7-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Jupiter
The largest planet has an extremely intense magnetic field and is currently being investigated by the Juno spacecraft. (4.9 astronomical units / magnitude -2.3)
 
⭐ 7:30-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Saturn
The ringed beauty will be seen. Try to spy the Cassini Division, the largest gap in the planet’s ring system. (9.7 astronomical units / magnitude 0.5)
 
⭐ 7:57-8 p.m. – EVENT: Visible Pass of an H-IIA Rocket Body
Part of a Japanese launch system, this piece of space junk should be visible under the correct conditions. Here’s to hoping we have them. (distance 534 kilometers / magnitude 1.7)
 
⭐ 8-8:15 p.m. – ACTIVITY: The Magnitude Scale
HRPO personnel will explain what the magnitude scale is, and then will ultilize the stars Vega, Fomalhaut, Polaris and Albireo to illustrate how dim stars get as one progresses down the ladder of the scale. (distances 25, 25, 431 and 385 light-years respectively / magnitudes 0.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 3.2 respectively)
 
⭐ 8-10 p.m. – EVENT: Ganymede Transits in Front of Jupiter
The largest moon in the Solar System must have known about this night’s celebration. It will give a memorable show by orbiting in front of its parent planet. (Ganymede magnitude 4.9)
 
⭐ 8:15-8:30 p.m – STORY: Great Square of Pegasus
As Pegasus the Winged Horse rises in the east, you’ll hear a story recounted about this majestic mythological creature. (distance of four corners 97 to 335 light-years / magnitudes of four corners 2.0 to 2.8)
 
⭐ 8:15-9 p.m. – OBJECT: The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31)
The closest spiral to our own Milky Way is rising high while twilight is ending. Sadly, the local light pollution only allows a view of the galaxy’s core. (distance 2 million light-years / magnitude 4.5)
 
⭐ 8:21-8:25 p.m. – EVENT: Visible Pass of the Lacrosse 4 Rocket
This Titan 4B sent up an American military satellite in August 2000.
(distance 571 kilometers / magnitude 1.3)
 
⭐ 8:30-9 p.m. – OBJECT: The Owl Cluster (Caldwell 13)
A perfect eerie addition to the night’s proceedings. Can you spot the two bright “eyes” of the cluster? (distance 7900? light-years / magnitude 6.4)
 
⭐ 8:40-8:46 p.m. – EVENT: Visible Pass of the Cosmos 2082 Rocket
The Cosmos series of satellites followed the USSR’s Sputniks. This rocket body has been orbiting for over three decades. (distance 844 kilometers / magnitude 2.0)
 
⭐ 8:45-9 p.m. – STORY: Job’s Coffin
The constellation Delphinus the Dolphin harbors the traditional tales of Greek wonder about the mammals of the sea—though the origin of the asterism’s creepy name is lost to the ages. (distances of four corners 98 to 241 light-years / magnitudes of four corners 3.6 to 4.4)
 
⭐ 8:45-9:15 p.m. – OBJECT: The Moth Cluster (Melotte 232)
If at this point you’ve had enough of creepy crawlies, try a flying creepy. This object will require a little patience to allow your eyes to adjust to the dim glow of the cluster. (distance ~2500 light-years / magnitude 6.3)
 
⭐ 8:45-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Mars
Mars is currently the closest it will be to the Earth for the next thirteen years. If the sky is steady and crisp, and your eyes sharp, you may see a polar cap and contrasting surface colors. (distance 62 million kilometers / magnitude -2.5)
 
⭐ 9-9:30 p.m. – OBJECT: Neptune
Although huge, Neptune is also very far away. It’s deep rich blue tone, however, is striking.
(distance 29 astronomical units / magnitude 7.8)
 
⭐ 9:15-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Waning Gibbous Moon
A variety of features await the viewer: rays of ejecta, the Bay of Rainbows and the Marsh of Sleep to name a few. (distance 404,000 kilometers / magnitude -12.5)
 
⭐ 9:45-10 p.m. – OBJECT: The Demon Star
 
The Spooky Sensation closes with the rising of evil. At least that’s what the Ancients thought. Algol was the first eclipsing binary discovered; a companion star periodically blocks some of its light. (magnitude ?? ; It can range from 2.1 to 3.4 ; What do you think it is?)
 
➞All viewing is weather permitting. Visible pass predictions are almost certain to have slight alterations come 3 October.
➞Remember: the lower the magnitude number, the brighter the object.
➞Binocular checkout from HRPO front desk will be available, but there are a limited number. We strongly encourage visitors to bring binoculars.
 
 
 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Baton Rouge, BREC Parks, Halloween, Halloween Events, Highland Road Park Observatory, Spooky Sensation

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